Mast

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a mast having an elongated arm movable between a deployed position and a service position. The elongated arm is attached by a rotatable hub. A receiver is spaced from the hub and configured to selectively prevent rotation of the mast.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/688,940 filed on Apr. 16, 2015, entitled “MAST,” which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/894,183 filed on May14, 2013, entitled “MAST,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,010,715, all of which areexpressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates to a mast having an elongated arm movablebetween a raised, deployed position and a lowered, service position. Theelongated arm is attached to a rotatable hub which is connected to abase. A receiver is spaced from the hub and configured to selectivelyprevent rotation of the mast towards the service position.

2. Description of the Related Art

The invention relates to a rotary mounting apparatus for the kinds ofmast that are used, for example, in the reception and transmission ofwireless signals, installation of solar panels, signs, utility devices,and the like. The invention may be applied to mast mountings in which,to install and maintain, the upper portion of the mast has to beaccessed by a service technician while maintaining a sufficient verticalposition for proper positioning. An exemplary use is such as to receiveand transmit wireless signals. Such masts are used, for example,adjacent to railroads and highways.

In the past, mast, such as antenna masts, were initially expensive toinstall and were subsequently costly to maintain due to their heavy andbulky construction. Antenna mast installations utilized metal supporttrusses which were anchored to the ground and required two or moreservice technicians to install the antenna mast or remove the antennamast when it was serviced. When the antenna mast needed service, acherry picker would often be employed to reach the antenna. Because ofthe weight of the antenna mast and associated hardware, once the antennamast was unsecured from the supporting trusses, the unbalance antennacould cause the mast to rapidly fall or tumble from its verticalposition. Previous types of antenna mast mechanisms required ancillarymeans, such as, additional service technicians or purpose built tools,in order to prevent the antenna mast from dropping suddenly and causingdamage to the remaining antenna assembly and/or service technician.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved mast that is easy toinstall and service while providing sufficient vertical positioning foroptimum reception and transmission of wireless signals, installation ofsolar panels, signs, utility devices, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The devices of the present invention have several features, no singleone of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Withoutlimiting the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims whichfollow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. Afterconsidering this discussion, and particularly after reading the sectionentitled “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments,” one willunderstand how the features of this invention provide several advantagesover current designs.

One embodiment is an apparatus for mounting a device that includes abase configured to be secured to a supporting surface and having a huband a receiver spaced from the hub and a mast secured to the hub andbeing configured to support the device, the mast being rotatable aboutthe hub between a deployed position and a service position, a portion ofthe mast being securable to the receiver when the mast is in thedeployed position and being spaced from the receiver when the mast is inthe service position.

Another embodiment is an apparatus for mounting a device that includes abase configured to be secured to a supporting surface, a mast rotatablysecured to the base and being configured to support the device, the mastbeing rotatable relative to the base between a deployed position and aservice position, and an engagement structure disposed on the base andbeing selectively engageable with the mast when the mast is in thedeployed position.

Another embodiment is an apparatus for mounting a device that includes agenerally planar base having a first side and a second side, the firstside being configured to be secured to a supporting surface, a mastrotatably secured to the second side of the base and being configured tosupport the device, and a lock disposed on the second side of the baseand being selectively engageable with the mast so as to prevent rotationof the mast relative to the base.

Another embodiment is an apparatus for mounting a device that includes abase having a first side, a rotatable component being secured to thebase at a point and being configured to support a device, and anon-rotatable component being secured to the base and configured to lockthe rotatable component relative to the base, the rotatable componentand the non-rotatable component being disposed so that each may beassembled to the first side of the base, the non-rotatable componentbeing disposed on the base so as to receive an intermediate portion ofthe rotatable component along the length of the rotatable component.

Further aspects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will now be described in connection with embodiments of thepresent invention, in reference to the accompanying drawings. Theillustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are notintended to limit the invention. Some embodiments will be described inconjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denotelike elements.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a mast assembly according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a front side isometric view of the mast assembly illustratedin FIG. 1 when in a deployed or raised position with the antennaremoved.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the mast assembly illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the mast assembly illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the mast assembly illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the mast assembly illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the mast assembly illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the mast assembly illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1A except the mast is in aservice or lowered position.

FIG. 8B is a front side perspective view similar to FIG. 1B except themast is in a service or lowered position.

FIG. 9 is a front view similar to FIG. 2 except the mast is in a serviceor lowered position.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the mast assembly illustratedin FIG. 1B.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of a hub assembly from FIG. 1A with a plateremoved to expose a hub.

FIG. 12A is a detail view of a rotatable pin assembly from FIG. 11 thatlocks the mast in a desired radial position.

FIG. 12B is an exploded view of the rotatable pin assembly from FIG.12A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied ina multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims. Inthis description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like partsare designated with like numerals throughout.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, there is shown a mast assembly 20 accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate the mast assembly 20 in a deployed or raised position. Themast assembly 20 can be mounted to a fixed supporting surface 22, forexample, a base station. The base station can be located near a traintrack so as to provide wireless services to the train or passengers.

In certain embodiments, the mast assembly 20 includes a base 24 and amast 30. The mast may be an elongated member constructed of a tubularmetal material and having a generally circular cross-section. The mast30 may be manufactured out of a metal, plastic, or other material thatcan withstand the expected structural loading during deployment. Thestructural loading may vary depending on, for example, the scale of themast 30, the expected weather conditions at the location of deployment,and any transitory environmental loading. Transitory environmentalloading may be caused by wind due to the proximate passage of a vehiclesuch as a train. In certain embodiments, the mast 30 is formed of rigidpipe stock. It should be appreciated, however, that the mast 30 may beconstructed in various shapes and of various materials of suitablestrength for supporting a device 31 such as an antenna mounted to an endof the mast 30.

The mast 30 may include one or more portions which are fixed together toform the mast 30. The mast portions may be releasably or permanentlyfixed together via threads, welding or the like. An advantage of amulti-piece mast 30 is the mast 30 can be collapsed or disassembled forease of transportation or shipping.

Another end of the mast 30 is mounted to the base 24 via a hub assembly28, as will be described in more detail herein. As mentioned above, thesupporting surface 22 to which the mast assembly 20 is mounted may be,for example, a kiosk, a structure (as shown in FIG. 1A, and for examplea wall thereof), other types of buildings, a pole, a tower or a tree,etc. The mast assembly 20 is particularly well suited for placement onstructures adjacent to railroad tracks and where access to the device31, such as an antenna, for installation and servicing may be necessaryfollowing attachment of the mast assembly 20 to the supporting surface22.

In certain embodiments, the portions of the mast 30 directly connectend-to-end or via a spacer or other linking structure. In theillustrated embodiment the mast 30 comprises two tubular portionsconnected by a junction box 48. Advantageously, the junction box 48provides an access point through the wall of the mast 30 for attachmentof one or more devices and or to access wiring in the mast 30. In someembodiments, a solar panel or other power producing device is attachedto the junction box 48. The junction box 48 further provides a locationalong the length of the mast 30 for securing the mast 30 in the receiver26.

The outer shape of the junction box 48 can be selected to generallymatch the inside shape of the receiver 26. In this way, the junction box48 can achieve a more secure fit in the receiver 26 which may steady thedevice 31 relative to the base 24 when the mast 30 is in the deployedposition. Of course in certain embodiments the mast 30 does not includethe junction box 48. In such embodiments, a portion of the tubular bodyof the mast 30 can be secured within the receiver 26.

The mast 30 and junction box 48 can be integrally formed to comprise aunitary mast assembly. This can be accomplished in any of a variety ofways well known to those skilled in the art. As is illustrated, the mastassembly, however, comprises a non-unitary structure. In this manner,the junction box 48 and one or more mast portions are formed separatelyand then coupled together. Additionally, the junction box 48 and mast 30can have other forms and can have other orientations relative to oneanother.

The receiver 26 can arrest undesired movement of the device 32 viaengagement with the junction box 48. This engagement can arrest movementof the mast 30. In certain implementations, this engagement preventsmovement in lateral and transverse directions relative to a central axisthrough the mast 30 as well as rotation when the junction box 48 isdisposed in the receiver 26.

In certain embodiments, rotation in both directions is prevented oncethe junction box 48 is disposed in the receiver 26 and one or more mastfasteners 54 are assembled about the mast 30 in the receiver 26. Incertain embodiments, arm 50 is rotated to close an entrance to thereceiver 26 and further inhibit rotation. In certain implementations,the arm 50 is used to hold the mast 30 when the mast 30 is initiallyrotated to the deployed position until the mast fasteners 54 can beinstalled as will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the mast assembly 20. FIG. 5 is a bottom view ofthe mast 20 illustrated in FIG. 1B and shows the arm 50 in a lockedposition to prevent rotation of the mast 30 back to the service orlowered position. The mast assembly 20 and receiver 26 are shown inadditional detail. The receiver 26 can include a generally rigidstructure due both in part to the material used to form the receiver 26.Suitably rigid materials include, for example, but without limitation:metals, plastics, polymers or composites and the like. However, othermaterials can be utilized. The receiver 26 also can be clear ortransparent to facilitate alignment of the receiver 26 with the mast 30during installation.

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the mast assembly 20 illustrated in FIG.1B. FIG. 7 is a right side view of the mast assembly 20 illustrated inFIG. 1B. The receiver 26 is elongated in the longitudinal directionwhich is parallel to the central axis of the mast 30 when the mast 30 isin the deployed position. The receiver 26 has a generally rectangularshape. It is advantageous for the longitudinal dimension of the receiver26 to be sufficiently long to provide stability to the retained portionof the mast 30 along its length as well as to accommodate fasteners andthe like. In this way, the longitudinal length of the retained portionis sufficient to inhibit rocking of the mast 30 within the receiver 26.Also, the lateral or width dimension of the receiver 26 desirably allowsthe technician to easily and naturally grip the receiver 26 whenrotating the mast 30 to the deployed position. In certain embodiments,one or more handles or grips are included on the mast assembly 20 for atechnician to grasp while raising or lowering the mast 30.

With reference to FIG. 4, a bottom side of the receiver 26 faces towardsthe base 24 and preferably defines a side-opening central passageway 52.The passageway 52 extends through the receiver 26 in a longitudinaldirection for receiving a section of the mast 30 in the illustratedembodiment. The passageway 52 is capable of receiving a portion orlength of the mast 30 such as the junction box 48 and is generallyconfigured to house, to preferably grip, and to secure this portion ofthe mast 30. In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 8A), the passageway52 has a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape. An inner surfacecontour of the passageway 52 preferably is selected depending on thegeometry of the portion of the mast 30 to be retained. For example, fora receiver 26 that is configured to retain a portion of a mast 30 thathas a constant outer diameter, the passageway 52 preferably has aconstant radius along its length. For example, where the mast 30 passesthrough the end walls of the rectangular receiver 26 the passageway 52can have the same radius as the mast 30.

In contrast, for a receiver 26 configured to retain a portion of themast 30 that has a varying outer surface such as a junction box 48, thepassageway 52 preferably has a shape that varies along the passagewaylength. For example, the size of the passageway 52 illustrated in FIG.8A changes from a semi-circular cross-sectional shape to a rectangularshape and then back to a semi-circular cross-sectional shape along thelength of the receiver 26. Additional embodiments of the passageway 52of the receiver 26 can comprise a plurality of different radii,tapering, and/or stepped regions. For example, the passageway 52 canhave two sections: a first section that has a generally uniformcross-sectional size along its length while a second section has arectangular shape along its length. In this way, the size and shape ofthe passageway 52 can be chosen to match or to approximate the size andshape of the mast 30 or portion thereof, e.g., the junction box 48, tobe retained. By generally matching the inner surface contour of thepassageway 52 to the outer surface of the secured portion of the mast30, a more effective securement may be achieved. In addition or in thealternative, effective securement can also be achieved by the engagementof one or more fasteners 54, such as u-bolts, and/or the arm 50 of thereceiver 26 with an outer surface of the mast 30. Each fastener 54and/or arm 50 can cooperate with an outer surface on the mast 30 toinhibit movement of the mast 30 relative to the receiver 26 in at leastone direction.

Although the passageway 52 can be formed in various shapes dependingupon the desired application (e.g., depending upon a shape of theretained portion of the mast 30 for which the receiver 26 is designed tobe used), the passageway 52 desirably has a sufficient length in thelongitudinal direction to stabilize the mast 30.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 8A, the side of the receiver 26 includesan access or side opening 56. In some embodiments, the side opening 56has generally curvilinear sides along the longitudinal axis to matchgenerally the shape of the junction box 48. In other embodiments as isillustrated in FIG. 8A, the side opening 56 has generally parallel sideswhile the passageway 52 matches generally the shape of the junction box48. The side opening 56 may include contouring (e.g., chamfers) alongits periphery in order to guide the junction box 48 into the passageway52 when inserting the mast 30 into the receiver 26.

The illustrated receiver 26 further comprises a retention structuredisposed so as to prevent the mast 30 from being removed from the sideopening 56 of the passageway 52. The retention structure holds at leasta portion of the retained mast 30 within the passageway 52. This supportcan be provided by, for example, the engagement of the one or more mastfasteners 54 and/or arm 50 of the receiver 26 with an outer surface ofthe mast 30 and/or a snap-fit connection between the mast 30 and thereceiver 26.

In certain embodiments, the support can be provided by the surfaces ofthe passageway 52 to hold the mast 30 within the receiver 26. Thesurfaces of the passageway 52 can provide a degree of snap fit betweenthe receiver 26 and the mast 30. The degree of snap-fit can be increasedby extending the overall surface of the passageway 52 through an arc ofgreater than 180°. However, as shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the arc inthe illustrated embodiment extends for approximately 180°. For arcsgreater than 180°, the length of the arc provides a snap-fit securementbetween the passageway 52 and the secured portion of the mast 30. Inthis way, the mast 30 can be placed in the deployed position prior toattaching the mast fasteners 54 and/or moving the arm 50 of the receiver26 without concern that the mast 30 will shift while the technician isattaching the one or more mast fasteners 54 and/or moving the arm 50.Additionally, the releasable engagement provided by a snap-fitconnection also permits the retained portion of the mast 30 to bereadily released from receiver 26.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the mast assembly 20 also includes one or moremast fasteners, generally designated by reference number 54. The mastfasteners 54 are essentially identical to one another. The mastfasteners 54 provide a means for affixing the mast 30 to the receiver26. As most clearly shown in FIG. 6, a side of the receiver 26 oppositeto the opening 56 included one or more apertures 58 for receiving endsof the mast fasteners 54 such as the ends of a u-shaped bolt.

Each mast fastener 54 includes a body having a first end, a second endand a central portion therebetween. The central portion preferably has ashape that is complimentary to a shape of the mast 30 in order to bestaccommodate receipt of the mast 30 in the receiver 26. As shown in thedrawings, the central portion may have a semi-circular shape toaccommodate the mast 30 having a generally circular cross-section.

The mast fasteners 54 are releasably secured to the receiver 26 byextending the first and second ends of the mast fastener 54 through theone or more apertures 58 formed in the receiver 26. Cooperating nuts areprovided for tightening and untightening of the mast fastener 54 to thereceiver 26 thereby securing the mast 30 in place.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1A except the mast 30 isin a service or lowered position. FIG. 8B is a front side perspectiveview similar to FIG. 1B except the mast 30 is in a service or loweredposition. FIG. 9 is a front view similar to FIG. 2 except the mast 30 isin a service or lowered position. With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 8A,and 9A, the mast assembly 20 is shown in additional detail when in theservice position. Specifically, the mast assembly 20 includes one ormore platforms 32, 34, 36 that are directly attachable to the base 24and one or more guide rails 38, 40, 42, 44 directly attachable to theplatforms 32, 34, 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or moreplatforms include an upper platform 32 configured to be secured betweenthe receiver 26 and the base 24. A lower platform 36 is disposed betweenthe hub assembly 28 and the base 24. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower platform 36 includes an opening 60 for a portion of the hubassembly 20 to pass therethrough as will be described below with respectto FIG. 10.

An intermediate platform 34 is disposed between the upper and lowerplatforms 32, 36 and provides a common attachment location for the innerends of the guide rails 38, 40, 42, 44. While three platforms 32, 34, 36are illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 8A, and 9A, more or less platformscould be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Havingmultiple platforms 32, 34, 36 facilitates stacking and or packaging theplatforms 32, 34, 36 in a smaller container than if a single platformwas utilized. Of course the multiple platforms 32, 34, 36 need not beentirely separate and instead could be hinged or mechanically linked ina manner which would still provide the attachment locations for theguide rails 38, 40, 42, 44 while allowing a small package for shipmentor packaging. Each platform 32, 34, 36 includes apertures extendingtherethrough for receipt of fasteners which may be, for example, woodscrews, metal screws, bolts or nails depending upon the composition ofthe structures to be connected. The fasteners attach the platform 32,34, 36 to the base 24 as is known to a person having skill in the art.

More or less guide rails 38, 40, 42, 44 could be utilized and stillprovide the strength and rigidity required to support the mast 30. Incertain implementations, each pair of guide rails 38, 40 and 42, 44 areformed from a single telescopic rail which moves between a contractedlength and an extended length. In the illustrated embodiment each guiderail 38, 40, 42, 44 is independently securable to the platforms 32, 34,36.

Each guide rail 38, 40, 42, 44 includes apertures extending therethroughfor receipt of fasteners which may be, for example, wood screws, metalscrews, bolts or nails depending upon the composition of the structuresto be connected. The fasteners attach the guide rails 38, 40, 42, 44 tothe platforms 32, 34, 36 as is known to a person having skill in theart. Of course the guide rails 38, 40, 42, 44 could share commonfasteners with the platforms 32, 34, 36 and still fall within the scopeof the invention. For example, the inner ends of the guide rails 38, 40,42, 44 could overlap over the intermediate platform 34 to allow a singlefastener for each pair of the guide rails 38, 40 and 42, 44. In certainimplementations, the guide rails 38, 40, 42, 44 are essentiallyidentical. Each guide rail 38, 40, 42, 44 has a u-shaped channel alongtheir longitudinal axes to provided additional rigidity over a planarcross-sectional shape.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the mast assembly 20illustrated in FIG. 1A. FIG. 11 is a close-up view of a hub assembly 28from FIG. 1A with a plate 66 removed to expose a hub 68. As most clearlyshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the hub assembly 28 comprises a shaft 64, theplate 66, the hub 68, and a channel member 70.

The shaft 64 has a generally cylindrically outer profile and engages themast 30 so as to allow the mast 30 to rotate relative to the base 24. Inthe illustrated embodiment, an end of the shaft 64 is secured to themast 30 and the other end of the shaft 64 is secured to at least the hub68. For example, the ends of the shaft 64 could be welded, swaged,glued, threaded, or otherwise fixed to the mast 30 and the hub 68 sothat the mast 30, shaft 64, and hub 68 rotate in unison when the mast 30is moved between the service and deployed positions.

The hub 68 and the channel member 70 are positioned adjacent to eachother. The hub 68 is configured to rotate while the channel member 70 ispreferably stationary. The channel member 70 and hub 68 are preferablygenerally planar plates that are positioned generally parallel to eachother. This conveniently allows for movement of the hub 68 with respectto the channel member 70. It will be appreciated, however, that thechannel member 70 and hub 68 may be shaped and configured, other than asshown and described herein, for relative movement to one another inaccordance with the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the shaft 68 passes throughthe plate 66 before passing into the hub 68. The shaft 64 furtherextends through the channel member 70, and openings 60, 72. In this way,the plate 66, channel member 70, lower platform 36, and base 24 providedbearing surfaces against which the shaft 64 can rotate when the mast 30is rotated between the service and deployed positions. In certainembodiments, the shaft 64 includes one or more bearings disposed so asto rotate about the central axis of the shaft 68. In other embodiments,bearings are press-fit into one or more of the plate 66, channel member70, lower platform 36, and base 24.

The shaft 64 may be made of any suitable material, preferably metal,that can support the mast 30 when deployed and has a sufficientcross-sectional size to withstand torsional loading due to the rotationof the mast 30. In certain implementations, the shaft 64 may be madefrom a solid or hollow tubular structure.

In certain embodiments, a ball joint is utilized between the mast 30 andthe shaft 64 so as to allow the mast 30 to move in additionaldirections. For example, the mast 30 can move freely in two planes atthe same time, including rotating in those planes, in implementationsthat include a ball joint between the mast 30 and the shaft 64.

Referring to FIG. 11, the upper and lower sides of the channel member 70defines opposing grooves 74. An outer perimeter of the hub 68 defines acorresponding contact surface 80 for the inside of the grooves 74. Thegrooves 74 are preferably generally linear. However, other groove 74configurations may be successfully employed in accordance with thedisclosure.

The grooves 74 each may have an appropriate length and cross-sectionalshape to provide for suitable rotational movement of the hub 68 withrespect to the channel member 70, such as, for example movement of thehub 68 through an angle of generally 90 degrees (see FIGS. 8A-9) in atleast one direction from alignment with respect to the channel member70. Of course, movement through an angle greater than or less than 90degrees may be employed.

As most clearly shown in FIG. 10, the channel member 70 furthercomprises slot 78. The grooves 74 are sized and shaped to slidinglyreceive the hub 68 during assembly in a direction parallel to thegrooves 74. The slot 78 in the channel member 70 allows a preassembledshaft 64 and hub 68 to be slid through the grooves 74 even when theshaft 64 extends past the back of the hub 68. Preferably the shaft 64extends beyond the back of the hub 68 in a direction towards the base 24so as to allow the channel member 70, lower platform 36, and base 24 tosupport rotation of the shaft 64 as explained above. Of course the shaft64 need not extend beyond the hub 68 and still fall within the scope ofthe disclosure. Further, the assembly process could be modified so thatthe shaft 64 is inserted through the channel member 70 in a directionparallel to the axis of the shaft 64. In this manner, the slot member 78could instead be a closed hole in the channel member 70 or removedentirely if the shaft 64 need not extend through the channel member 70.

With the hub 68 located in the grooves 74, the plate 66 is secured tothe channel member 70 and lower platform 36 via one or more hub bolts76. The hub bolts 76 prevent the hub 68 from sliding back out of thegrooves 74 in the channel member 70 while allowing the hub 68 to rotatewithin the grooves 74. In this way, the hub bolts 76 limit lateralmovement of the shaft 64 while allowing rotation of the shaft 64.Movement in a direction towards the shaft 30 is prevented by the grooves74. In certain implementations, the hub bolts 76 further attach to thelower platform 36.

In certain embodiments, the hub bolts 76 have one or more bearingsdisposed so as to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the bolt 76. Inthis way, the contact surface 80 on the hub 68 can bear against theouter surface of the bearing to allow smoother rotation of the hub 68.Of course bearings could be incorporated at different locations andstill provided smoother rotation than implementations of the hubassembly 28 that do not include bearings.

In certain embodiments, the hub bolts 76 are carriage bolts. The hub 68is releasably attached or locked to the channel member 70 by thecarriage bolts 48 and cooperating nuts and washers. More specifically, acarriage bolt can extend through the plate 66, the hub 68, channelmember 70 and lower platform 60. When the nuts are in an untightenedposition, the hub 68 can be slid with respect to the channel member 70.It will be appreciated that once the nuts are in a tightened position,the hub 68 is unable to slide out of the channel member 70. The lowerplatform 36 is attached to the base 24 by one or more fasteners asmentioned above.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 7, the base 24 of the mast assembly 20can have a planar shape when viewed from its sides. In certainimplementations, the base 24 has a curved shape. The degree of curvaturecan be varied depending on the expected location of usage or applicationof the mast assembly 20. It will be appreciated that common sites forattachment of the mast assembly 20 will be located on regions exhibitingconvex curvature, such as a pole or the like, etc. By providing aconcave bottom profile to the base 24, the receiver 26 will be morestable once installed.

Typically, it is necessary that the mast 30 be positioned with agenerally vertical orientation to ensure proper operation of the device31, when configured as an antenna that is attached thereto. It will beappreciated, however, that in situations where the mast assembly 20 isto be adjusted, positioned, and/or have the attached devices such asantennas, solar panels, and the like serviced, the mast 30 is rotatedfrom the deployed position to the service position without the need fora crane or the like.

FIG. 11 shows the rotating hub 68 directly overlying the channel member70. FIGS. 1A and 8A illustrate rotatable or angular movement of the mast30 and hub 68 with respect to the channel member 70. Once the base 24 issecured to the supporting surface 22, the mast 30 is secured to the hub68. Specifically, the lower end of the mast 30 is positioned over theshaft 64 and then fixed to the shaft 64 to secure the mast 30 to the hub68.

FIG. 12A is a detail view of a rotatable pin assembly 82 from FIG. 11that locks the mast 30 in the deployed or raised position. FIG. 12B isan exploded view of the rotatable pin assembly 30 from FIG. 12A. In theillustrated embodiment, the hub 68 receives a portion of the rotatablepin assembly 82. The hub 68 includes a plurality of locking holes 90that are spaced in an arcuate pattern along an outer edge of the hub 68.The rotatable pin assembly 82 supports a knob 84 that controls a dowel88. The dowel 88 selectively engages one of the locking holes 90. Inthis manner, the technician can releasably select the rotationalposition of the mast 30. The rotatable pin assembly 82 can be furtherconfigured to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the mast 30 and potentialharm to the technician. In certain embodiments, the rotatable pinassembly 82 is configured to lock the mast 30 at interim angularlocations (15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 degrees) if the technician does notrelease the dowel 88 by pulling the handle 84. The technician pulls outthe handle 84 to disengage the dowel 88 from the locking holes 90 andreleases (if a spring bias is provided) or pushes the handle 84 toengage the dowel 88 with the locking hole 90. In this way, the mast 30is prevented from free rotation to the service position under the forceof gravity when the mast 30 is not secured to the receiver 26. However,the technician can continue movement of the mast 30 to the serviceposition by actuating the rotatable pin assembly 82 to remove the dowel88 from the locking holes 90. As mentioned, in certain embodiments therotatable pin assembly 82 is spring loaded to maintain a lockedposition. However, various other locking mechanisms can be used toreleasably secure the mast 30 in desired positions. For example, afriction brake, spring and ball detent, or the like can be used.

The components described herein of the mast assembly 20 are preferablyfabricated of, for example, a galvanized metal to resist corrosion ofthe mast assembly 20 and to provide sufficient strength to support themast 30. It will be appreciated, however, that the mast assembly 20 maybe fabricated from a variety of other materials such as, for example,stainless steel or a polymer material capable of supporting the mast 30.

It will be appreciated that the mast assembly 20 is constructed tosimplify manufacturing, packaging, assembly, installation, and servicingthereof. Although certain features of the mast assembly 20 can bespecifically configured for use with an antenna, it will be understoodby those of skill in the art that such a mast assembly 20 can be usedwith other devices, masts or poles as well. Furthermore, the mastassembly 20 described herein can be modified to more effectivelycooperate with various types of mast, junction boxes, etc.

Whereas particular embodiments of the invention have been describedherein for purpose of illustration, it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that numerous variations of the details may be madewithout departing from the invention as described in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for mounting a device comprising: abase configured to be secured to a supporting surface and having a huband a receiver spaced from the hub; one or more rails coupled betweenthe receiver and the hub; and a mast secured to the hub and beingconfigured to support the device, the mast being rotatable about the hubbetween a deployed position and a service position, a portion of themast being securable to the receiver when the mast is in the deployedposition and being spaced from the receiver when the mast is in theservice position.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or morerails indirectly couple the receiver to the hub.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more platforms supporting the one ormore rails.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or moreplatforms comprises at least two platforms, the at least two platformsbeing mechanically linked.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein thereceiver and the hub are secured to the one or more platforms.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more platforms includes anintermediate platform, the intermediate platform being disposed betweenthe hub and the receiver.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the oneor more rails connects the intermediate platform to the one or moreplatforms.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an overall length of theone or more rails is adjustable between a contracted length and anextended length.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or morerails comprises at least one telescopic rail.
 10. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a rotation lock selectively engageable with thehub, the rotation lock being movable between a locked position and anunlocked position, the mast being prevented from rotating from thedeployed position to the service position when the rotation lock is inthe locked position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprisingone or more locking holes spaced in an arcuate pattern along an outeredge of the hub.
 12. An apparatus for mounting a device comprising: abase configured to be secured to a supporting surface; a mast rotatablysecured to the base at a point and being configured to support thedevice, the mast being rotatable relative to the base between a deployedposition and a service position; an engagement structure spaced from thepoint; and one or more rails coupled between the engagement structureand the point.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a hub,the hub being disposed at the point.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the one or more rails indirectly couple the engagement structureto the hub.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the base includes oneor more platforms.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one ormore rails indirectly couple at least two of the one or more platforms.17. An apparatus for mounting a device comprising: a base having a firstside and a second side, the first side being configured to be secured toa supporting surface; a mast rotatably secured to the second side of thebase at a point and being configured to support the device; and one ormore rails coupled to the base.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, whereinan overall length of the one or more rails is adjustable between acontracted length and an extended length.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17,further comprising one or more platforms supporting the one or morerails.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the one or more railsindirectly couple to the base.